[20 years of treatment of hydrocephalus. A catamnestic application (author's transl)].

Between 1961 and 1966 hydrocephalus operations were performed on 237 children; 66 had a myelocele, 105 had a hydrocephalus communicans and 66 a hydrocephalus occlusus. Of these 237 cases 78 (33%) died. Of the surviving 159 follow-up data are available on 140 (88%). Since 1969 nearly all have been psychologically examined at regular 2-year intervals. The mean IQ were: Myeloceles: 94 +/- 20.42; hydrocephalus communicans: 87 +/- 26.01; hydrocephalus occlusus: 79 +/- 28.07; total group: 88 +/- 24.10. The results of the long-term study showed a stable development in 61%, an improvement in 29% and a deterioration in 10% of the cases. The development of mental ability is described in relation to neurological deficits and cerebral seizures. The number of shunt-revision operations had no influence. In addition to the familial background, the school career and kind of final school-examination is stated. Of the school leavers (44%), 52% took a final school examination (44% primary school examination, 6% secondary school lower certificate and 2% school-leaving examination). Finally, the data for their choice of profession is given. Considering the course of their development to date, it may be anticipated, that approximately 60% of those 140 young people will be able to practise a normal professional life.